In a gesture that highlights the gulf in resources between Kaizer Chiefs and Red Arrows FC, the Zambian outfit has rewarded coach Chisi Mbewe with a “staff vehicle” after dumping Amakhosi out of the CAF Confederation Cup last Friday.

It took the Confederation Cup group stage qualification for Mbewe to be handed a car to use for his day-to-day operations. Ordinarily, a staff vehicle is a basic resource at Naturena, and the Airmen’s reward for their coach could strike Amakhosi fans as a painful reality about the stature of the club that humiliated them at Moses Mabhida Stadium. 

Red Arrows edged the Soweto giants 1-0 in the second preliminary round, first-leg match in Ndola, before Chiefs levelled matters with a 1-0 win in Durban for a 1-1 aggregate scoreline. But the Zambian outfit advanced to the group stage via a penalty shootout victory. 

Owned by the Zambia Air Force, Red Arrows will be participating in the Confederation Cup group stage for the first time in their history. 

RED ARROWS EXPLAIN DECISION TO REWARD MBEWE AFTER BEATING KAIZER CHIEFS

While Chiefs are seeking ways to revitalise themselves with the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates looming, Red Arrows have celebrated their coach with a car gift, a Toyota Mark X. Mbewe is a serviceman in the Zambia Air Force with a Warrant Officer Class Two rank.

“The Zambia Air Force [ZAF] Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, has fulfilled his commitment to facilitate the effective execution of Red Arrows Football Club head coach Warrant Officer Class Two, Chisi Mudala Mbewe’s official duties by allocating and handing him a staff vehicle from the Zambia Air Force fleet,” a statement issued on Monday by Red Arrows read.

“The Air Force vehicle, registration number ZAF-******, was handed over today Monday, 26 October 2026, following Red Arrows’ historic qualification for the Confederation of African Football [CAF] Confederation Cup group stage.

“Speaking during the handover ceremony at Zambia Air Force Headquarters, Lt Gen Nyoni said the staff vehicle allocation was in line with established Air Force tradition, under which the Red Arrows Head Coach is entitled to an official vehicle to support the effective performance of his duties.

“He explained that the decision followed a request by the Red Arrows Football Club president for a vehicle to assist the coach in carrying out his responsibilities, assuring the Club that one would be provided when available.

“The Commander said the team’s qualification for the continental competition coincided with the fulfilment of that commitment, providing an opportunity to formally present the vehicle to W0II Mbewe.”